This article first appeared on our sister site Infection Control Today.
Brigham General Hospital in Massachusetts and its hospital, Salem Hospital, are facing a class-action lawsuit over hundreds of patients who may have been exposed to hepatitis and HIV during routine care. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of endoscopy patient Melinda Cashman, one of 450 patients who may have been exposed to the virus between June 2021 and April 2023.
While there is no evidence that any infection was caused by the exposure, Cashman’s attorneys claim the health system was negligent and caused her to suffer “extreme anxiety and emotional distress and a diminished quality of life.”
A hospital in Salem, Massachusetts, last week sent warning letters to 450 endoscopy patients, informing them that they could be exposed to HIV and hepatitis through improper intravenous injections. A class-action lawsuit has since been filed against the hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, based in Somerville, Massachusetts, involving 10 hospital employees, according to reports. USA Today November 20th.
what you need to know
Brigham and Salem General Hospital in Massachusetts is facing a class-action lawsuit alleging that up to 450 patients may have been exposed to hepatitis and HIV during routine care between June 2021 and April 2023.
Salem Hospital sent warning letters to 450 endoscopy patients, informing them that they could be exposed to HIV and hepatitis through improper intravenous injections.
Massachusetts Brigham General Hospital is partnering with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to conduct an on-site investigation of quality control practices at Salem Hospital.
The hospital notified potentially affected patients earlier this month after becoming aware of “isolated practices” that could lead to the spread of the virus. “Once discovered, this practice was immediately corrected and the hospital’s quality and infection control teams were notified,” said Massachusetts General Brigham. After the intravenous drug was administered “in a manner inconsistent with our best practices,” Patients may be exposed.
In a lawsuit filed in Suffolk County Superior Court, Cashman’s attorneys are seeking monetary damages for the health system’s negligence, claiming their client and patients like her suffered “severe and permanent emotional distress” as a result of the incident. . They believe she and others affected may experience disruptions in relationships, increased medical bills and new needs for important mental health treatment.
Massachusetts Brigham General Hospital also collaborated with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to conduct an on-site investigation of quality control practices in Salem. Patients who may be affected can call a clinician hotline to ask questions and receive free virus screening.
Salem Hospital said in a statement that the risk of infection is “minimal” and no infections have been reported so far.
The lawsuit is seeking a jury trial.
A spokesman for Brigham General Hospital in Massachusetts told The Associated Press that they are conducting standard testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV in response to potential exposures.